ARMED police officers hunted down two local men in Shelthorpe after a police pursuit.

At round 8pm on Tuesday, armed police officers, along with a helicopter escort, descended on to the estate in an attempt to track down two men who police believe had been involved in a road traffic collision.

Two men were said to have driven away from the scene and made their way to Poplar Road, where they abandoned their vehicle.

A resident of Poplar Road, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Echo: "It was absolutely crazy.

"The police just knocked on my door and asked if they could come in and search my garden.

"There were police everywhere - and along with the normal police, armed officers just stormed the area."

He said that police were searching the golf course and everyone's gardens.

The resident claims that police found a balaclava, knife and a pair of trainers on the golf course, but the police said they were unable to confirm this.

He added: "They were even searching people's sheds as well.

"The police helicopter was overhead too, but it was like something out of 'The Bill' - it really was unbelievable."

A police spokesman, said: "Police were called to a two vehicle RTC in Bridge Street, Barrow-upon-Soar, at around 8pm on Tuesday evening.

"One of the vehicles failed to stop at the scene, and after a controlled police pursuit, it was located by officers on a parking area in Poplar Road.

"Two local men, aged 25 and 21, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Investigations are in their early stages."